Cancer surgeon rides for FORCE after his own diagnosis

An Exeter surgeon who regularly operates on cancer patients is raising money for the charity that supported him when he was diagnosed with the disease himself.

Colo-rectal specialist Steve Mansfield was diagnosed with stomach cancer in June 2021.

He underwent several courses of chemotherapy and surgery to remove his stomach.

A year after treatment he realised he needed emotional support and turned to FORCE Cancer Charity.

Now he’s repaying them for that support by taking part in their Nello bike ride on Sunday June 25.

Steve will be tackling the 60-mile route as one of around 800 cyclists who have signed up for FORCE’s single biggest fundraising event of the year.

Shock

He’ll be riding with a group of friends on bikes they have bought and prepared for less than £50.

He set a target of raising £250 for FORCE but has already smashed that via an online sponsorship page – forcecancercharity.enthuse.com/pf/steve-mansfield

Steve’s father and grandfather both died from cancer but he admits getting a diagnosis himself was “a bit of a shock.”

“I do cancer surgery myself so it’s been an interesting journey from that perspective,” said the 53-year-old from Kenton.

“I send people to FORCE all the time to see what’s available.

“I came to look around as a patient but didn’t feel the need to use FORCE at the time.

“A year after treatment I realised I needed something.

Comforting

“One of the reasons that prompted me to come was a concern about my mental health and survivorship – pushed by my family.

“I had counselling, which I found relaxing, comforting and helped me see things in a way that made me realise that I was still normal. I found that really useful.

“I didn’t need to access any of the other things FORCE provides but just knowing that FORCE is here and you are not left unsupported is so important.

“I’m not out of the woods yet and I’m dealing with uncertainty. Even when you’re in the business it’s still shocking to see kids having chemo at the same time as you.

“People ask if having cancer has changed my attitude. Everybody has a different mind-set in how they deal with diagnosis and treatment.

“I find the worst time is waiting for scan results. So I’m more proactive in delivering news to patients now, especially if it’s good news. It makes me feel better too.”

Steve had seven months off work – during which time he had a tattoo of a whale over his scar – but is back to full capacity now at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Incredible

“My treatment was incredible and I am so grateful to all those in Exeter and Plymouth who were involved in my care,” he said.

“I’m glad to say so far things are looking positive and last year, with some amazing friends, we finally fulfilled a long held ambition to cycle up Alpe d’Huez!”

He completed the infamous climb as part of Team No Stomach, All Guts and will be back in the Alps this month to cycle the Stelvio Pass, close to where he broke his leg skiing in February.

Steve rode the virtual Nello in 2020 dressed as a policeman on a 1950s cast iron bike that belonged to his grandfather, raising £3,000 for FORCE and the Exeter Children’s Orchestra.

“I didn’t want to do it this year as just another ride so we came up with the idea of getting an old bike and doing it up for the ride,” said Steve, who has bought a mid-1980 10-speed Edinburgh bicycle for £25 and has spent £20 on new tyres.

Wonderful

“I have first-hand experience of the wonderful help that FORCE provides, so am hoping to raise a few quid again!

“Please support us and this amazing charity.”

If Steve’s story has inspired you to take part in the Nello, there’s still time to sign up at forcecancercharity.co.uk/nello/

If you need physical, practical, psychological or emotional support in dealing with a cancer diagnosis, call FORCE on 01392 406151, email support@forcecancercharity.co.uk